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Hieratikon

Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Menaion - March 25

Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos

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LITURGY OF ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM

Antiphon 1. Mode 2. Psalms 71, 95, 131.

Verse 1: O God, give Your judgments to the King, and Your righteousness to the King’s Son. [SAAS]

Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, Savior, save us.

Verse 2: Let the mountains raise up peace for Your people and the hills in righteousness.

Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, Savior, save us.

Verse 3: Proclaim from day to day the salvation of our God.

Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, Savior, save us.

Verse 4: The Lord swore to David this truth, and He shall not reject it.

Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, Savior, save us.

Glory. Both now.

Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, Savior, save us.

Antiphon 2. Mode 2. Psalms 71, 45, 49.

Verse 1: He shall come down like rain on the fleece, like raindrops falling on the earth. [SAAS]

Save us, O Son of God, who were incarnate for us. We sing to You, Alleluia.

Verse 2: The Most High sanctified His tabernacle.

Save us, O Son of God, who were incarnate for us. We sing to You, Alleluia.

Verse 3: God will come openly. He is our God, and He shall not be silent.

Save us, O Son of God, who were incarnate for us. We sing to You, Alleluia.

Verse 4: In His days, righteousness and abundance of peace shall flourish.

Save us, O Son of God, who were incarnate for us. We sing to You, Alleluia.

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Only-begotten Son and Logos of God, being immortal, You condescended for our salvation to take flesh from the holy Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary and, without change, became man. Christ, our God, You were crucified and conquered death by death. Being one of the Holy Trinity, glorified with the Father and the Holy Spirit: Save us.

Antiphon 3. Mode 4. Psalm 71.

Verse 1: Let His name be blessed unto the ages. [SAAS]

Verse 2: Blessed is the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things.

Verse 3: Blessed is the name of His glory forever and unto ages of ages.

Apolytikion of the Feast. Mode 4.

Today is the summary of our salvation, and the revelation of the age-old mystery. For the Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin, and Gabriel announces the good news of grace. Therefore, let us join him, and cry aloud to the Theotokos: “Rejoice, Maiden full of grace! The Lord is with you.” [SD]

An optional alternative to the Antiphons are the Typika (Psalms 102 and 145), and the Beatitudes with the appointed troparia, which are provided here.

Psalm 102.

Psalm 145.

The Beatitudes.

Mode 4.

In Your kingdom. Remember us, O Lord, when You come in Your kingdom. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [RSV]

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. [RSV]

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. [RSV]

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. [RSV]

Canon for the Feast.

Ode iii. Mode 4. Establish your servants.

Τοὺς σοὺς ὑμνολόγους.

From Menaion - - -

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. [RSV]

From Judah the scepter has departed; the time has indeed therefore arrived, * when Christ, the expectation and hope of all the nations, should appear. * But you, explain to me how I, a virgin girl, shall give birth to him. [SD]

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. [RSV]

O Maiden, you seek an explanation of how you, a virgin, will conceive. * But this is inexplicable. Yet when He overshadows you * with His creative energy, the Holy Spirit will accomplish it. [SD]

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. [RSV]

My ancestral mother was evicted of old from the Garden of delight, * when she accepted bad advice from the serpent. And therefore I * am cautious of your curious greeting, lest I make the same mistake. [SD]

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [RSV]

I who stand before the Lord in heaven was sent to reveal His will to you. * But why are you afraid of me, when I am here in awe of you? * And why are you in awe of me revering you, O immaculate? [SD]

Canon for the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Ode vi. Mode 4. Prefiguing in the whale.

Ἐβόησε προτυπῶν.

Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely [for my sake]. [RSV]

O Gabriel, I believe and accept your most joyful words * and I am completely filled with divine joy and happiness. * For you are a herald of joy, announcing a joy that will never end. [SD]

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven. [RSV]

The godly joy has been given to you, O Mother of God. * All creation cries rejoice to you who are the Bride of God. * O pure one, for only you were preordained Mother of the Son of God. [SD]

Glory.

Let mother Eve’s condemnation, through me, be rescinded now, * and through me let what she owed to Adam be returned today. * Let her ancient debt be more than fully repaid through my childbirth, [SD]

Both now.

God made a vow to your forefather Abraham, promising * that the nations would be blessed in his descendant, O Maiden pure; * and today the promise is through you now beginning to come to pass. [SD]

Entrance Hymn. Mode 2.

Proclaim from day to day the salvation of our God. Save us, O Son of God, who were incarnate for us. We sing to You, Alleluia.

Hymns after the Entrance.

Apolytikion.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4.

Today is the summary of our salvation, and the revelation of the age-old mystery. For the Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin, and Gabriel announces the good news of grace. Therefore, let us join him, and cry aloud to the Theotokos: “Rejoice, Maiden full of grace! The Lord is with you.” [SD]

Kontakion.

Mode pl. 4. Automelon.

Τῇ ὑπερμάχῳ.

O Champion General, I your City now inscribe to you

Triumphant anthems as the tokens of my gratitude,

Being rescued from the terrors, O Theotokos.

Inasmuch as you have power unassailable,

From all kinds of perils free me, so that unto you

I may cry aloud: Rejoice, O unwedded Bride. [SD]

Trisagios Hymn

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.

The Epistle

For the Feast.

Prokeimenon. Mode 3. Ode ix.

My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. [RSV]

Verse: For he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. [RSV]

The reading is from Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews.

Heb. 2:11-18

Brethren, he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified have all one origin. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, “I will proclaim your name to my brethren, in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.” And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again, “Here am I, and the children God has given me.” Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same nature, that through death he might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong bondage. For surely it is not with angels that he is concerned but with the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brethren in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make expiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered and been tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted. [RSV]

Alleluia. Mode 2. Psalm 71.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Verse 1: He shall come down like rain on the fleece, like raindrops falling on the earth. [SAAS]

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Verse 2: Let His name be blessed unto the ages.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

The Gospel

For the Feast.

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Luke.

Lk. 1:24-38

In those days, Elizabeth the wife of Zacharias conceived and for five months she hid herself, saying, “Thus the Lord had done to me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.” In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Hail, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end.” And Mary said to the angel, “How shall this be, since I have no husband?” And the angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. [RSV]

Hymn to the Theotokos.

Ode ix. Heirmos.

Mode 4.

O earth, announce the good tidings of great joy; You heavens, praise the glory of God. [SD]

Now let no uninitiated hand * approach the living Ark of God to touch it. * Rather let believers’ lips sing out in exultation * the Angel’s salutation unceasingly * to the Theotokos and cry out: * Rejoice, Maiden full of grace! The Lord is with you. [SD]

Communion Hymn. Psalm 131.

The Lord has chosen Zion; He chose her for His dwelling. Alleluia. [SAAS]

Show Selected Verses.

Selected Psalm Verses for the Annunciation of the Theotokos

1. O God, give Your judgments to the King, and Your righteousness to the King’s Son. (71:1) [SAAS]

2. That He may judge Your people in righteousness and Your poor with judgment. (71:2) [SAAS]

3. Let the mountains raise up peace for Your people and the hills in righteousness. (71:3) [SAAS]

4. Proclaim from day to day the salvation of our God. (95:2) [SAAS]

5. The Lord will give His word to those proclaiming the gospel with great power. (67:12) [SAAS]

6. He who is the King of hosts of the beloved. (67:13) [SAAS]

7. The Lord swore to David this truth, and He shall not reject it. (131:11) [SAAS]

8. I shall set upon your throne one from the fruit of your loins. (131:11) [SAAS]

9. And He shall come down like rain on the fleece, like raindrops falling on the earth. (71:6) [SAAS]

10. O Lord, bow down Your heavens and descend. (143:5) [SAAS]

11. He bowed heaven and descended. (17:10) [SAAS]

12. The Lord has chosen Zion; He chose her for His dwelling. (131:13) [SAAS]

13. The Most High sanctified His tabernacle. (45:5) [SAAS]

14. God established her forever. (47:9) [SAAS]

15. God will come openly. He is our God, and He shall not be silent. (49:3) [SAAS]

16. In His days, righteousness and abundance of peace shall flourish, until the moon is removed. (71:7) [SAAS]

17. All the kings of the earth shall worship Him. (71:11) [SAAS]

18. All the kings of the earth shall worship Him. (71:11) [SAAS]

19. For He rescued the poor from the hand of a strong man, and the needy, for whom there was no helper. (71:12) [SAAS]

20. Let His name be blessed unto the ages. (71:17) [SAAS]

21. Let His name be blessed unto the ages. (71:17) [SAAS]

22. Blessed is the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. (71:18) [SAAS]

23. And blessed is the name of His glory forever and unto ages of ages. (71:19) [SAAS]

24. And all the earth shall be filled with His glory. Amen! Amen! (71:19) [SAAS]

Hide Selected Verses.

Hymn after Holy Communion.

Mode 2.

We have seen the true light; we have received the heavenly Spirit; we have found the true faith, worshiping the undivided Trinity, for the Trinity has saved us.

DISMISSAL

Glory to You, O Christ our God. Glory to You.

May He who for us men and for our salvation condescended to become incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, Christ our true God, through the intercessions of His all-pure and all-immaculate holy Mother, whose Annunciation we celebrate; the power of the precious and life-giving Cross, the protection of the honorable, bodiless powers of heaven, the supplications of the honorable, glorious prophet and forerunner John the Baptist, of the holy, glorious, and praiseworthy apostles, of the holy, glorious, and triumphant martyrs, of our righteous and God-bearing fathers, (local patron saint); of the holy and righteous ancestors of God Joachim and Anna, and of all the saints, have mercy on us and save us, as He is good, benevolent, and merciful God.

Fasting Rule

Fish: fish, oil and wine are allowed. Refrain from meat, dairy and eggs.

It is a major feast.

DOXOLOGY

FOR THE ANNUAL REMEMBRANCE OF THE GREEK REVOLUTION

(on March 25)

DEACON

Master, give the blessing.

HIERARCH/PRIEST

Blessed is our God always, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

CHOIR

Apolytikion.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4.

Today is the summary of our salvation, and the revelation of the age-old mystery. For the Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin, and Gabriel announces the good news of grace. Therefore, let us join him, and cry aloud to the Theotokos: “Rejoice, Maiden full of grace! The Lord is with you.” [SD]

Kontakion.

Mode pl. 4.

O Champion General, I your City now ascribe to you * triumphant anthems as the tokens of my gratitude, * being rescued from the terrors, O Theotokos. * Inasmuch as you have power unassailable, * from all kinds of perils free me so that unto you * I may cry aloud: * Rejoice, O unwedded Bride. [SD]

Then selected verses of the Doxology.

Glory be to You who showed the light. Glory in the highest to God. His peace is on earth, His good pleasure in mankind.

We praise You, we bless You, we worship You, we glorify You, we give thanks to You for Your great glory.

Accept our supplication, You who sit at the right hand of the Father, and have mercy on us.

Every day I will bless You, and Your name will I praise to eternity, and to the ages of ages.

Vouchsafe, O Lord, this day, that we be kept without sin.

Blessed are You, O Lord, the God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your name to the ages. Amen.

Let Your mercy be on us, O Lord, as we have set our hope on You.

Blessed are You, O Lord. Teach me Your statutes.

Continue Your mercy to those who know You.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.

DEACON

Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your great mercy, we pray You, hear us and have mercy.

( Lord, have mercy. (3) )

Again we pray for pious and Orthodox Christians.

( Lord, have mercy. (3) )

Again we pray for our Archbishop (Name). and all our brotherhood in Christ.

( Lord, have mercy. (3) )

Again we pray for our country, for the president, and for all in public service, and that the Lord God will assist them and guide them in everything.

( Lord, have mercy. (3) )

Again we pray for the eternal memory and blessed repose of all those who fought and sacrificed themselves in our Nation’s sacred fights for faith and country, and for the forgiveness of all their offenses, both voluntary and involuntary.

( Eternal be their memory. Eternal be their memory. Eternal be their memory. )

Again we pray for the protection of the Holy and Great Church of Christ, our Sacred Archdiocese (and this Sacred Metropolis), this city and every city and land, from wrath, famine, pestilence, earthquake, flood, fire, sword, foreign invasion, civil strife, and accidental death. That our good and benevolent God may be merciful, gracious, and forgiving, and may divert and disperse all anger and disease coming against us, and deliver us from His impending justified threat and have mercy on us.

( Lord, have mercy. (3) )

Again we pray that the Lord our God may hear the prayer of us sinners, and have mercy on us.

( Lord, have mercy. (3) )

HIERARCH/PRIEST

Hear us, O God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of earth and of those far off at sea, and forgive us, O Master, forgive us our sins, and have mercy on us.

( Amen. )

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord.

( Lord, have mercy. )

HIERARCH/PRIEST

Prayer

O Lord our God, You hold the universe together by Your power, and You govern the world by Your divine, almighty will. You “made from one every nation of men to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their habitation.” You have been especially good to our pious Greek nation, granting it the knowledge of Your truth, leading it to the light of the Orthodox faith, and raising from it great Fathers and Teachers for the Church. For centuries You kept it free, by Your divine grace; and when it was subjugated, You preserved it, and then delivered it and resurrected it to a life of liberty once again. O all-benevolent Master, today as we celebrate the annual remembrance of the Greek Revolution, that our fathers declared in Your holy name on this festive day of the Annunciation, as they proceeded to fight for faith and country, accept our gratitude and glorification, and hear us as we implore You with faith. We pray for the souls of our fathers and brethren who for our faith and country fought and sacrificed themselves; whether they were slain in battle, hanged or executed, or they died in captivity and adversity, grant them rest together with Your Saints. As for us, grant that we all be worthy of freedom, and preserve us in peace. Maintain all officials and authorities of our Government in peace and concord, and grant stability to both Church and State. For You are the Lord of peace and the Savior of our souls, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

HIERARCH/PRIEST

Glory to You, O Christ our God. Glory to You.

May He who for us men and for our salvation condescended to become incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, Christ our true God, through the intercessions of His all-pure and all-immaculate holy Mother, whose Annunciation we celebrate; the power of the precious and life-giving Cross, the protection of the honorable, bodiless powers of heaven, the supplications of the honorable, glorious prophet and forerunner John the Baptist, of the holy, glorious, and praiseworthy apostles, of the holy, glorious, and triumphant martyrs, of our righteous and God-bearing fathers, (local patron saint); of the holy and righteous ancestors of God Joachim and Anna, and of all the saints, have mercy on us and save us, as He is good, benevolent, and merciful God.

Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us.

CHOIR

Amen.